BLACKHAWKS BULLETIN

Good afternoon, Blackhawks!

Thank you all for a wonderful first week. As is our practice, we spent the first week co-creating class norms, introducing routines and expectations, and doing quite a bit of community building. Of course, activities included plenty of academic learning as well. These are critical days for setting the tone and the vibe was very positive. If this week was any indication, it's going to be a great year at PES! Here are just a few examples of the types of activities taking place around campus:

• 2nd graders spent some time harvesting in the garden and were especially invested in their monarch caterpillar observations.
• 3rd and 4th graders enjoyed learning and applying measuring skills as they recorded just how tall our plants have grown!
• 5th grade enjoyed an afternoon of place-based science exploration at the Brook on Friday
• 6th through 8th graders reviewed our drafter "Portrait of a Learner" and identified the skills and habits that students should develop in order to reach the PES vision for learning. They created posters, skits, and presentations to share their ideas before heading out on the annual trip to French's Ledges on Friday.
• Several classes enjoyed meeting our new teachers (See the music and ELL teacher intros below!)

Please enjoy some photos throughout. I especially love the ones in our garden which was so lovingly cared for by the following volunteers this summer:

• Tara Custer
• Tina Darak
• Olga Demidova
• Mark Lighthiser
• Ella Martin
• Kathleen Maslan
• Kristin Rzemien
• Sara Smith
• Nikki Turner
• Lynn Zeltman

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• If you have not already completed it, your online REGISTRATION IS NOW PAST DUE. We greatly appreciate your attention to getting this done ASAP so we don't have to spend precious time sending reminder emails and phone calls. Without a completed registration, we do not have the most up-to-date safety info for your child and s/he may miss out on upcoming opportunities for field trips, photos, etc.
• There is no school this Friday. Teachers are looking forward to a professional development day to reflect on the opening and share feedback from students as we fine tune our Habits of a Learner success criteria for our new report cards.

Audra

Audra Bucklin, Principal

abucklin@sau32.nh.gov

603-469-3250, x223

P.S. Congratulations to Ryan McMaster who won the 50/50 Cow Paddy Bingo prize yesterday. The Class of 2029 appreciates the support of so many of you in the community. It is the first big fundraiser for 6th graders as they begin to think ahead to their 8h grade class trip.

SEPTEMBER

Parents, please join us for your child's curriculum night to learn more about what is happening specific to their class. Students do not attend this event but there WILL be babysitting* available during the K to 5 Curriculum Nights:

• THIS Thursday, September 3 - 5:30 pm - Grades 6 to 8 Curriculum Night (includes Essential Arts)
• Thursday, September 10 - 5:45 pm - Grades 3 to 5 Curriculum Night (note the new time)
• Thursday, September 17 - 5:30 pm - Grades K to 2 Curriculum Night

It is important to arrive on time. This is different from an "Open House." Teachers prepare and deliver an overview of the learning that will take place in your child's class(es) throughout the year.

NOTE: On 9/10 and 9/17, students/children in grades 5 and below be signed in with the 7th grade babysitting service. The 7th graders provide this as a community service with a suggested donation of $5/child (towards their class trip fundraising.)

"COLD" Options: (offered daily)

Assorted Pre-made Deli Sandwiches, ham and turkey. Sunbutter/Jelly sandwiches

Yogurt Parfait with Fruit and Granola

Fresh Fruit and Veggie Bar

LINK TO ONLINE MENU

We love to see your kids! School begins promptly at 8:05. After this time, they are considered late. Please ensure your student arrives on time! If your student will be late, please be sure to communicate in pickup patrol.

Please be sure to use the crosswalk if walking from the parking lot to the school. And drivers dropping off students: please be sure to look both ways before driving off.

Study hall is offered for the dates below. A couple reminders:

• Hours for study hall are 3-4:15
• Make make sure PickUp Patrol is updated
• Please make sure your student knows this is a quiet time to get homework completed or read quietly if they don’t have homework. If they are attending a practice after study hall, please make sure it is also noted in pickup patrol. Athletes will be dismissed directly to soccer.
• If you are picking up from study hall, please use the walkie talkie in the entryway to radio the teacher.

Study Hall next week- Week Ending 9/4

• Monday- Study Hall available
• Tuesday- NO study hall
• Wednesday-Study Hall available
• Thursday-Study Hall Available
• Friday-NO SCHOOL

Welcome back to School! I hope you all have had a wonderful summer break! At the beginning of the school year, I like to remind parents of a few things for the upcoming year.

1. If you are new to the school, please remember to provide immunization records and a physical. These should be current, within the last year, so that I don’t have to keep reminding you to provide updated ones.
2. Parents of 7th Graders…. Please send me a copy of your student’s vaccination records as they are due for a Tdap vaccine around age 12 and I’ll need to get that documented.
3. Also please remember to fill out a 2026-2027 Student Health Information and Release Form. This is the form that allows you to give permission for your student to receive select over-the- counter medications, consent for hearing and vision screenings, allergies, and any health concerns your student may have. These forms live in a binder in my office and are the basis for treating minor illnesses or injuries that your student may encounter during the school day.
4. If your child has a chronic illness, please provide the health office with an action plan signed by their specialist(s). Please also remember to provide any medications and supplies needed to help me care for your child along with the Parent Permission form for administering those prescription medications.
5. If your child needs daily medications, please provide the medication in the original prescribed bottle, hand delivered to me by an adult. Unfortunately, no matter how responsible your child may be, we have to be sure to keep other students safe! Daily prescription medications require a physician’s order and parent permission paperwork. Over the counter medications require parent permission.
6. If your child has a tendency to have bathroom accidents, please be sure to send in extra clothes for them to change into. Also, please be mindful of the weather! Students participate in outdoor activities, so please make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather. Finally, if your child is sick, please keep them home! I realize that it is a huge inconvenience, but children love to share their germs! We do our best to teach them to wash their hands and cover their mouths when they cough and sneeze (elbow salute). However, we have to remember that respiratory viruses are all around us and will never completely go away. A temperature of 100 and over is considered a fever, unless of course they are symptomatic and their temp is lower. This handy chart is used for both students and staff to help determine if we should come to school.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me about any health needs/concerns for your

student!

Nurse Beth

Do you know a grandparent or other family member who wants to spend more time with your child? Would you like to help out in your kids' classroom and learn who their classmates are?

We are looking for volunteers for grades K-4. The Four Winds program at PES teaches about science through observing and playing in nature. Volunteers attend five training workshops and then go into the classroom to teach the kids what they learned. Examples of subjects we have learned include clouds, water, flowers, wind, insects, birds, and much more. Kids love seeing their family members in the classroom and always look forward to the fun lessons the Four Winds Institute plans.

If you are interested or know of a family member interested, please contact Kathleen Maslan at: kathleen.maslan@comcast.net OR Complete the form below.

The Plainfield School is seeking individuals who would be comfortable working with K-8th grade students in our building during the 2026-2027 school year. Applicants must be able to follow teacher substitute plans, be dependable, and enjoy working with children. If you are interested in applying, please contact Cindy Huett in the office at (603) 469-3250.

We are looking for a head coach and some assistant coaches for the spring drama program (grades 6 to 8). The production is usually in April with casting and rehearsals beginning in late January. If interested, please contact Audra Bucklin at (603) 469-3250.

Hello,

We will be hosting a free Vaping and Oral Nicotine Education webinar for parents and caregivers on Tuesday, September 29th from 6:00–7:00 PM.

This webinar will provide parents, caregivers, and community members with practical information about vaping and oral nicotine, including:

• What vaping is and how it works
• Current youth vaping trends
• The risks and dangers of vaping
• What vaping products look like
• How to support youth who vape or may be at higher risk, including quit resources
• Evidence-based conversation starters for talking with youth about substance use
• Q&A

We’ve heard from community partners that there is a need for more education and resources around vaping and tobacco, and we hope this webinar will be a helpful opportunity for families and community members to learn more about youth nicotine use and how to talk to their child about it.

Registration is free: Click Here To Register

If possible, I’d appreciate your help sharing the flyer in your school newsletter or other parent-facing channels. You’re also welcome to print and display the flyer in your front office or other areas where parents and caregivers may see it.

Thank you, and please reach out if you have any questions!

Due to the federal government shutdown and the suspension of the SNAP food benefits the town of Plainfield’s Community Resource Room & Food Pantry is ready and available to assist Plainfield, Meriden & Cornish residents during this unsettling time.

If you are without transportation or can’t physically attend these special pick-up times, please reach out and we will try our best to arrange for a drop-off at your home.

The Community Food Pantry is located at the Christ Community Church, 1259 Route 12A in Plainfield. Across the street from the Plainfield Fire Station.

The Community Food Pantry's regular hours are the 1st Thursday, 3rd Friday & 3rd Saturday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m. During these times any residents needing to stretch their grocery budget from Plainfield, Meriden & Cornish can access food.

We are here to help during these challenging times. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Plainfield’s Community Resource Director, Stephanie Schell at cr.director@plainfieldnh.org or 1-603-469-3201.

If people would like to make monetary donations to

Our local community food pantry they may do so by sending a check to:

The Town of Plainfield

P.O. Box 380

Meriden, NH 03770

In the check memo write: Food Pantry

Financial Assistance

Any Plainfield or Meriden resident requiring assistance for housing, heating fuel assistance, electricity assistance, medication assistance and or nutritional support from the Town should contact the Community Resource Director, Stephanie Schell. Contact information: 603-469-3201 or email sschell@plainfieldschool.org. All information is confidential.

Food Pantry

Residents of the Town of Plainfield can access the following local services.
Note: The food pantry and clothing swap rooms are located in the Christ Community Church on Route 12A (across from the Plainfield Fire Department). The Food Pantry is open the 1st Thursday and the 3rd Friday and Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and warmly welcomes all Town residents.

Free Clothing Rooms

The Christ Community Church has (2) very well organized rooms that contain FREE clothing for adults and children. All clothing is donated and in great condition. In addition to clothing there are also Free household items, toys & books as well. These rooms are open to the Public each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m.

Free Fresh Veggies & Fruit

Free fresh produce provided by Willing Hands: please check the Town calendar for dates and times.

Fight 68 Hours of Hunger Care Package Program: A box of nutritious food is delivered to your home each Wednesday afternoon to help fight hunger. The box contains a variety of foods for the entire family to help stretch your grocery budget.

Willing Hands – FREE Fresh veggies, fruit, milk, eggs, bread & proteins Every Wednesday from 11:45-12:15 p.m. Cornish Town Hall is located on the fairgrounds. Everyone is welcome!

Southwestern Community Services: Claremont NH

Providing Heating Fuel & Electrical Assistance. They also have Rental or Mortgage Assistance programs. Completed applications for eligibility are needed. These programs are open to all Sullivan County Residents please call 542-9528 for more information.

Listen Community Services:

Providing Plainfield Residents with Heating & Electrical Assistance, Food Pantry resources, Holiday Gift Baskets, School Supplies Drive, Community Dinners, Housing Helper Grants, Summer Camp Scholarships and Thrift Store Vouchers for clothing & furniture.

Located at 60 Hanover Street, Lebanon

Call for an appointment to discuss individual needs: 1-603-448-4553